10 January 2024 , 11:42
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Julia Hartley-Brewer has received 15,536 Ofcom complaints after she provoked controversy following a fiery exchange with a politician while discussing the recent assassination of Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri.
The 55-year-old broadcaster was discussing recent events with a guest named Dr Mustafa Barghouti, who is a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, earlier this month. He was on her TalkTV show when discussion descended into an argument as 70-year-old Dr Barghouti began to criticise 74-year-old Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The discussion, which took place earlier this month, had been angled around an Israeli drone strike which killed al-Arouri - a senior member of Hamas and founder of its military wing. Dr Barghouti angled conversation towards criticising Netanyahu - leaving Julia exasperated.
Julia Hartley-Brewer clashed with Dr Mustafa Barghouti on TalkTV (TalkTV/Youtube)Julia hit out at her guest, arguing: "We haven’t got time to do the entire history of Benjamin Netanyahu who is not a popular figure in Israel." She also explained it was not her job to defend Netanyahu and was frustrated that her guest was repeating himself.
She argued: "Please don’t say that again, we don’t have time for that, you’ve made that point five times already." Losing her cool, Julia continued: "I don’t know what you have time for. For the love of god let me finish a sentence man… Maybe you’re not used to women talking, I don’t know, but I’d like to finish the sentence!"
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It has now been revealed that since the interview Julia has received 15,536 Ofcom complaints. Mirror has contacted TalkTV for comment. At the time, the exchange was met with disbelief and anger from viewers - with many taking to social media to criticise Julia for her outbursts. One unimpressed viewer wrote: "Omg!!! Zero professionalism, she’s so disrespectful and rude, and shamelessly projecting on the man and accusing him to be sexist."
Another wrote: "I have never seen a presenter this bad. I admire this man and his patience with her impoliteness," while a third added: "That was so frustrating to watch." "Wow. 'Maybe you are not used to women talking.' Just wow," someone else said.
Julia has previously defended her style of interviewing guests, saying she aims to provoke wider debates. She has said in the past: "It’s about the subjects you cover – it’s not just a presenter or a guest giving you a viewpoint.
"It’s about whether you think climate change is the number one issue every single sodding day, whether you think it’s race issues, diversity, minor trans or feminist issues are the main issues facing the British people every day."